Depression Treatment Centers in East Brunswick, NJ

Innerspace Counseling
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, co-occurring substance use, anger issues, bipolar disorder, OCD, or mood disorders, Innerspace Counseling will provide solutions by treating each and every client with a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Our Intensive Outpatient programs treat youth ages 8+, teens, and adults. Our Partial Care programs treat teens and adults. We are a primary mental health and co-occurring substance use treatment facility. Each of our all inclusive programs include an individualized assessment and psychiatric evaluation, individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and family sessions. We have assembled an elite team of clinicians who specialize in high levels of care. Our facility exclusively provides IOP and PHP to anyone within the state of New Jersey. Our team feels strongly that no individual is an island, and no issue can be treated in isolation. Through our systems based and comprehensive approach, we will work with our clients, and their families, to create lasting change. Our continuum of services offers a wide range of options that allow us to tailor treatment to each individual's unique needs for long term balance and healing. Innerspace Counseling strives to provide the highest quality of care possible to each and every patient. Highly coordinated care with families, outpatient providers, and school counselors ensures lasting support and change for our patients.
Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, co-occurring substance use, anger issues, bipolar disorder, OCD, or mood disorders, Innerspace Counseling will provide solutions by treating each and every client with a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Our Intensive Outpatient programs treat youth ages 8+, teens, and adults. Our Partial Care programs treat teens and adults. We are a primary mental health and co-occurring substance use treatment facility. Each of our all inclusive programs include an individualized assessment and psychiatric evaluation, individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and family sessions. We have assembled an elite team of clinicians who specialize in high levels of care. Our facility exclusively provides IOP and PHP to anyone within the state of New Jersey. Our team feels strongly that no individual is an island, and no issue can be treated in isolation. Through our systems based and comprehensive approach, we will work with our clients, and their families, to create lasting change. Our continuum of services offers a wide range of options that allow us to tailor treatment to each individual's unique needs for long term balance and healing. Innerspace Counseling strives to provide the highest quality of care possible to each and every patient. Highly coordinated care with families, outpatient providers, and school counselors ensures lasting support and change for our patients.
(732) 993-4029 View (732) 993-4029
Serenium Wellness Manalapan
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Serenium is a brand focused on therapy and wellness where serenity and calmness meets balance and equilibrium. A place where Mind, Body, Soul, and Emotion flow as one, into a lasting effect to feel whole and complete. We believe that therapy is not just for those who have a diagnosis, but for everyone. Mental and emotional well-being are essential. Just like going to the gym to exercise your body and improve your physical health, therapy is the place to improve your mind and emotions. Whether you have a diagnosis or you’re going through a life event, like losing a job, having a baby, or a breakup, we're here for you.
Serenium is a brand focused on therapy and wellness where serenity and calmness meets balance and equilibrium. A place where Mind, Body, Soul, and Emotion flow as one, into a lasting effect to feel whole and complete. We believe that therapy is not just for those who have a diagnosis, but for everyone. Mental and emotional well-being are essential. Just like going to the gym to exercise your body and improve your physical health, therapy is the place to improve your mind and emotions. Whether you have a diagnosis or you’re going through a life event, like losing a job, having a baby, or a breakup, we're here for you.
(848) 294-2602 View (848) 294-2602
High Focus Centers - Freehold, NJ
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We address issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD through personalized care.
High Focus Centers in Freehold, New Jersey, is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Our Freehold counseling center serves adults, teenagers, and middle school-aged children in the Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex County areas. Our specialized therapist team at our Freehold location is committed to helping clients overcome a wide range of behavioral health challenges.
We address issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD through personalized care.
High Focus Centers in Freehold, New Jersey, is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Our Freehold counseling center serves adults, teenagers, and middle school-aged children in the Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex County areas. Our specialized therapist team at our Freehold location is committed to helping clients overcome a wide range of behavioral health challenges.
(848) 345-5305 View (848) 345-5305
New Start Psychological Care
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At New Start Psychological Care, we believe in providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Our team of experienced healthcare providers offers personalized medication management and a variety of therapy options to support your journey towards wellness. Our therapists and counselors specialize in a broad range of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, to help you develop the skills and strategies necessary for managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Whether you are looking for support with a specific issue or seeking a comprehensive treatment plan, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your path to healing. Appointments include in-person and tele-health/remote.
At New Start Psychological Care, we believe in providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Our team of experienced healthcare providers offers personalized medication management and a variety of therapy options to support your journey towards wellness. Our therapists and counselors specialize in a broad range of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, to help you develop the skills and strategies necessary for managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Whether you are looking for support with a specific issue or seeking a comprehensive treatment plan, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your path to healing. Appointments include in-person and tele-health/remote.
(848) 999-0101 View (848) 999-0101
Positive Reset Recovery Center offers trusted and compassionate addiction treatment in New Jersey, helping individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction through personalized, evidence-based care. Our comprehensive programs focus on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to support long-term recovery and emotional well-being. we’re dedicated to guiding you every step of the way toward a healthier, addiction-free life.
Positive Reset Recovery Center offers trusted and compassionate addiction treatment in New Jersey, helping individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction through personalized, evidence-based care. Our comprehensive programs focus on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to support long-term recovery and emotional well-being. we’re dedicated to guiding you every step of the way toward a healthier, addiction-free life.
(732) 517-7117 View (732) 517-7117
Banyan Pompano
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Banyan Pompano’s Outpatient Program serves adults struggling with substance use, mental health conditions, or co-occurring disorders. Many come to us after detox or residential care, while others begin directly at the outpatient level. Clients often need continued clinical support, relapse-prevention skills, emotional stabilization, and a safe space to manage triggers and daily stress. Our flexible, evidence-based program helps them build coping skills, manage symptoms, and maintain accountability as they return to work, family, and community life.
Banyan Pompano’s Outpatient Program serves adults struggling with substance use, mental health conditions, or co-occurring disorders. Many come to us after detox or residential care, while others begin directly at the outpatient level. Clients often need continued clinical support, relapse-prevention skills, emotional stabilization, and a safe space to manage triggers and daily stress. Our flexible, evidence-based program helps them build coping skills, manage symptoms, and maintain accountability as they return to work, family, and community life.
(954) 283-7056 View (954) 283-7056
Many arrive carrying trauma, anxiety, depression, mood instability, strained relationships, professional or family consequences, and the exhaustion of trying to recover alone.
We offer a full continuum of care across Prescott and Scottsdale, including RTC, PHP, IOP, OP, and supportive housing. Our approach combines clinical structure, psychiatry, trauma-informed therapy, family involvement, and recovery community to help clients stabilize, heal, reconnect, and build a life that can last with clarity, dignity, and lasting support.
Many arrive carrying trauma, anxiety, depression, mood instability, strained relationships, professional or family consequences, and the exhaustion of trying to recover alone.
We offer a full continuum of care across Prescott and Scottsdale, including RTC, PHP, IOP, OP, and supportive housing. Our approach combines clinical structure, psychiatry, trauma-informed therapy, family involvement, and recovery community to help clients stabilize, heal, reconnect, and build a life that can last with clarity, dignity, and lasting support.
(520) 277-3787 View (520) 277-3787

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Center For Discovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Center For Discovery has been providing residential treatment for women and teens for over 20 years. At Center For Discovery, we provide residential treatment for women with eating disorders, teens with eating disorders, teens with mental health disorders, and teens with substance abuse issues. Each of our locations is dedicated solely to one of our specialized treatment programs. By keeping each location specialized to one of our treatment programs, we are able to provide the most effective and efficient treatment. All of our locations provide treatment for only a small number of residents at one time to maintain an intimate setting and a high staff to resident ratio. Treatment within a residential neighborhood allows our residents to feel more comfortable in a familiar surrounding and provides greater transferability and internalization of the treatment experience to life after treatment. We place a high priority on providing an environment where our clients feel like and are treated like people, never patients.
Center For Discovery has been providing residential treatment for women and teens for over 20 years. At Center For Discovery, we provide residential treatment for women with eating disorders, teens with eating disorders, teens with mental health disorders, and teens with substance abuse issues. Each of our locations is dedicated solely to one of our specialized treatment programs. By keeping each location specialized to one of our treatment programs, we are able to provide the most effective and efficient treatment. All of our locations provide treatment for only a small number of residents at one time to maintain an intimate setting and a high staff to resident ratio. Treatment within a residential neighborhood allows our residents to feel more comfortable in a familiar surrounding and provides greater transferability and internalization of the treatment experience to life after treatment. We place a high priority on providing an environment where our clients feel like and are treated like people, never patients.
(973) 791-4698 View (973) 791-4698
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
(925) 281-5657 View (925) 281-5657
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
(408) 528-2199 View (408) 528-2199
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Our Livingston, New Jersey partial care program and intensive outpatient program offer personalized mental health care that provides intensive support and helps teens learn the skills necessary for long-term mental wellness. Our therapists work directly with each young person to identify where they are in their healing journey and develop a custom treatment program for their needs. We understand how difficult it can be for teens and their families struggling with severe mental health conditions like self-harm, depression and suicidal ideation. We're here to help your child overcome the challenges affecting your family’s everyday life.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation.
Our Livingston, New Jersey partial care program and intensive outpatient program offer personalized mental health care that provides intensive support and helps teens learn the skills necessary for long-term mental wellness. Our therapists work directly with each young person to identify where they are in their healing journey and develop a custom treatment program for their needs. We understand how difficult it can be for teens and their families struggling with severe mental health conditions like self-harm, depression and suicidal ideation. We're here to help your child overcome the challenges affecting your family’s everyday life.
(862) 343-8713 View (862) 343-8713
The Artemis Center for Guidance, LLC
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At The Artemis Center for Guidance we work toward reducing emotional suffering. This is accomplished foremost through direct counseling services and psycho-education provided by highly skilled and compassionate clinicians and, secondly, through the development and instruction of training programs that will provide other professionals the skills to offer exceptional services to those in emotional pain. The Artemis Center for Guidance was founded on the premise that all individuals are inherently able to cope with life's hardships. We believe that with skilled guidance during times of transition, each person possesses the freedom to strive toward and reach his or her highest potential and lead a productive and happy life. Each person and family has unique circumstances and experiences. We believe it is critical to consider biological, psychological and social factors affecting one's life journey, in order to better assist on this path. We specialize in Maternal Mental Health and also offer a full range of counseling services, including: individual and couples therapy, play therapy for children, counseling for teenagers and young adults, veteran and military family readjustment guidance and treatment for recovery from sexual, physical or emotional trauma.
At The Artemis Center for Guidance we work toward reducing emotional suffering. This is accomplished foremost through direct counseling services and psycho-education provided by highly skilled and compassionate clinicians and, secondly, through the development and instruction of training programs that will provide other professionals the skills to offer exceptional services to those in emotional pain. The Artemis Center for Guidance was founded on the premise that all individuals are inherently able to cope with life's hardships. We believe that with skilled guidance during times of transition, each person possesses the freedom to strive toward and reach his or her highest potential and lead a productive and happy life. Each person and family has unique circumstances and experiences. We believe it is critical to consider biological, psychological and social factors affecting one's life journey, in order to better assist on this path. We specialize in Maternal Mental Health and also offer a full range of counseling services, including: individual and couples therapy, play therapy for children, counseling for teenagers and young adults, veteran and military family readjustment guidance and treatment for recovery from sexual, physical or emotional trauma.
(856) 249-4759 View (856) 249-4759
Get co-occurring therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville: Innovative Addiction Treatment in New Jersey. Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville, which you may know as We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ, is a leading addiction treatment New Jersey facility. Located in the historically significant and beautiful Lawrenceville, our center offers a range of specialized treatments meant to address various substance abuse disorders. From detoxification to residential care, our programs encompass evidence-based therapies, dual diagnosis treatment, and personalized care plans. With a focus on practical recovery steps and a compassionate approach, we empower individuals to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. At Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville, we're dedicated to guiding our clients toward a brighter, healthier future. Take the first step towards a life free from addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment services in New Jersey!
Get co-occurring therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville: Innovative Addiction Treatment in New Jersey. Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville, which you may know as We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ, is a leading addiction treatment New Jersey facility. Located in the historically significant and beautiful Lawrenceville, our center offers a range of specialized treatments meant to address various substance abuse disorders. From detoxification to residential care, our programs encompass evidence-based therapies, dual diagnosis treatment, and personalized care plans. With a focus on practical recovery steps and a compassionate approach, we empower individuals to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. At Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville, we're dedicated to guiding our clients toward a brighter, healthier future. Take the first step towards a life free from addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment services in New Jersey!
(609) 316-4322 View (609) 316-4322
Sage Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Toms River, NJ 08755
At Sage Wellness Center, our experienced staff work with children, teens, adults and older adults to cope with depression, anxiety, adjustment, trauma, brain injury, cognitive issues, disabilities, medical issues, relationship issues, identity crises, loss, cultural adjustment and more.
Our staff includes Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors who provide our clients Medication Management and therapy services.
At Sage Wellness Center, our experienced staff work with children, teens, adults and older adults to cope with depression, anxiety, adjustment, trauma, brain injury, cognitive issues, disabilities, medical issues, relationship issues, identity crises, loss, cultural adjustment and more.
Our staff includes Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors who provide our clients Medication Management and therapy services.
(732) 505-4612 View (732) 505-4612
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
(925) 478-7606 View (925) 478-7606
Relief Mental Health
Treatment Center
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Relief Mental Health in Red Bank serves adults struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses.
We offer personalized, evidence-based care through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Spravato (esketamine), psychiatric medication management, and therapy. Our experienced team works closely with each patient to create a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
Relief Mental Health in Red Bank serves adults struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses.
We offer personalized, evidence-based care through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Spravato (esketamine), psychiatric medication management, and therapy. Our experienced team works closely with each patient to create a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
(848) 343-2906 View (848) 343-2906
Nasiha Counseling
Treatment Center
Online Only
Counseling can be a meaningful way to address some of life's challenges you are facing or have been facing for a long time. As therapists, we provide support and feedback to help you cope with current life challenges and long-standing issues. With compassion and sensitivity, we can help you explore, understand, and find resolutions to a wide range of personal concerns and psychological issues. In counseling you can also work with someone to come up with specific behavioral strategies and new ways of thinking by taking into consideration all that unique qualities that make you who you are including your beliefs, religious practices, culture and ethnicity, and traditional coping. With a wide range of clinical interventions and treatment approaches, we develop goals that are most helpful and tailored for each individual client (adult, teen, adolescent, or child), family, and couple based on their presenting concerns and needs. In a supportive and understanding environment, we can help you attain personal growth. Together with each client, we work to enhance your strengths and achieve your personal goals.
Counseling can be a meaningful way to address some of life's challenges you are facing or have been facing for a long time. As therapists, we provide support and feedback to help you cope with current life challenges and long-standing issues. With compassion and sensitivity, we can help you explore, understand, and find resolutions to a wide range of personal concerns and psychological issues. In counseling you can also work with someone to come up with specific behavioral strategies and new ways of thinking by taking into consideration all that unique qualities that make you who you are including your beliefs, religious practices, culture and ethnicity, and traditional coping. With a wide range of clinical interventions and treatment approaches, we develop goals that are most helpful and tailored for each individual client (adult, teen, adolescent, or child), family, and couple based on their presenting concerns and needs. In a supportive and understanding environment, we can help you attain personal growth. Together with each client, we work to enhance your strengths and achieve your personal goals.
(646) 571-0529 View (646) 571-0529
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope.
We combine evidence-based therapy with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to deliver individualized, data-driven care. Our innovative approach ensures measurable progress, proven outcomes, and lasting change. We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
(925) 592-1275 View (925) 592-1275
Serenium Therapy & Wellness
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Cranford, NJ 07016
Serenium is a brand focused on therapy and wellness where serenity and calmness meets balance and equilibrium. A place where Mind, Body, Soul, and Emotion flow as one, into a lasting effect to feel whole and complete. We believe that therapy is not just for those who have a diagnosis, but for everyone. Mental and emotional well-being are essential. Just like going to the gym to exercise your body and improve your physical health, therapy is the place to improve your mind and emotions. Whether you have a diagnosis or you’re going through a life event, like losing a job, having a baby, or a breakup, we're here for you.
Serenium is a brand focused on therapy and wellness where serenity and calmness meets balance and equilibrium. A place where Mind, Body, Soul, and Emotion flow as one, into a lasting effect to feel whole and complete. We believe that therapy is not just for those who have a diagnosis, but for everyone. Mental and emotional well-being are essential. Just like going to the gym to exercise your body and improve your physical health, therapy is the place to improve your mind and emotions. Whether you have a diagnosis or you’re going through a life event, like losing a job, having a baby, or a breakup, we're here for you.
(732) 466-6872 View (732) 466-6872
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
We provide proven help for teen depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance use, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and other complex mental health issues.
At Evolve, we provide compassionate, individualized care to help teens navigate challenges and rediscover hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow.
(925) 962-5504 View (925) 962-5504

See more therapy options for East Brunswick

Depression Treatment Centers
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.